As travel becomes a part of our lives again, questions about staying connected while abroad are increasingly important. Having internet access isn’t just for staying in touch; it’s also essential for practical tasks like booking taxis, navigating routes, finding restaurants, or simply letting loved ones know you’re safe.
In this article, I’ll explain how to prepare your smartphone for international travel and highlight the advantages of using an international eSIM card, which you can easily set up on your device to access the internet in your destination country.
What is eSIM?
eSIM is a virtual SIM card that doesn’t require a physical chip. You can activate it directly from your smartphone’s menu, making setup and usage much more straightforward.
Why Use eSIM for Travel?
Travelers often face high roaming charges, which can lead to unexpectedly large bills. Using an eSIM allows you to purchase local internet plans, significantly reducing costs and avoiding unpleasant surprises.
How to Prepare Your Phone Before the Trip
Before traveling, it’s crucial to prepare your home operator’s plan and ensure your smartphone is properly configured.
How to Setting Up Your Home Plan
Make sure your plan allows for internet use abroad. Consider the following options:
- Disable internet access: If you’re sure you won’t need internet, you can disable this feature entirely, ensuring you don’t accidentally incur roaming charges.
- Special roaming plan: Many operators offer specific plans for using the internet abroad. These plans may be more expensive than your regular service but are still cheaper than standard roaming fees.
However, if you plan to travel frequently, it’s worth considering purchasing an eSIM. This allows you to easily connect to local operators and use internet at the most affordable rates.
Popular eSIM Services in 2024
There are many websites where you can purchase eSIM for your travels. Here are some popular options:
ESIM-Man
ESIM-Man is a rapidly growing provider offering eSIM services for travel and business with coverage in over 170 countries. It’s ideal for travelers due to its wide coverage and flexible pricing that lets you pay only for the data you use. This ensures you stay connected without overpaying for roaming.
Another key feature is the ease of switching between virtual numbers and 24/7 online support, making connectivity convenient and accessible no matter where you are.
Airalo
Airalo is one of the largest international eSIM sellers, offering digital SIM cards with local data plans to avoid expensive roaming charges. Prices are comparable to those of local mobile operators, and the service is available in 200 countries.
Prepaid plans are perfect for vacations if you don’t want to hassle with local SIM cards and their activation. Additionally, you won’t have to pay for SIM card issuance or an initial month of service at an uncompetitive rate.
Drimsim
Drimsim is a popular virtual operator, operating in 190 countries. It offers reliable internet and communication services at rates close to those of local operators. You can get an eSIM in 2 minutes or order a physical SIM card with worldwide delivery. Drimsim doesn’t offer package options; there’s no subscription fee, and you only pay for the megabytes you actually use.
Drimsim’s eSIM automatically connects to local operators to provide the best quality of service at the most favorable rates. The app allows you to track expenses, top up your balance, and access customer support.
Conclusion
Preparing for a trip involves more than just planning routes and booking hotels — it also includes ensuring your connectivity is set up properly. Using an eSIM is a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected wherever you are. I hope these tips help make your trip more comfortable and secure.